10 Comments
User's avatar
Dan's avatar

Well written, especially the ending! Really interesting, unique perspectives about what it feels like on the "inside".

Expand full comment
Stuart Buck's avatar

"This means that your most bitter political enemies (or the President’s) have a legal right to examine everything you say on official, unclassified communications media and to report it to the public with as much (or as little) context as they wish."

That is the case starting 5 years after a presidential administration ends.

Expand full comment
Stuart Buck's avatar

Source: I tried to FOIA emails regarding ARPA-H from the 2017-18 time frame, and was told that I would have to wait until 5 years after that White House term ended (which I guess would be Jan. 21, 2026).

Expand full comment
Clyde Boyer's avatar

Great article, Dean. I know how difficult it is to get legislation, consensus, agreement from a group of strong willed folks with so many competing agendas. I’m curious how you feel about China’s open AI strategy where the focus is on manufacturing prowess and cheaper energy, as opposed to USA’s closed approach. AI alone is not sufficient for a nation’s success, but how AI is part of a larger strategy is key.

Expand full comment
Robin Gaster's avatar

Fabulous. what a great piece.

Expand full comment
Chris L's avatar

Fascinating article! Provided me with a lot of insight into how things work.

Expand full comment
Antonio Max's avatar

“For you, Steve,” - Sobs

Expand full comment
Cooper's avatar

Hey Dean, thanks for sharing your experience. You talked about the extremely short time to make decisions in the EOP. Curious if you reflected on how the quality of your short term decision making changed/improved as it shortened? How did you judge the quality of others’ decisions who you saw as powerful?

Expand full comment
Cooper's avatar

Also, best of luck on your roots of progress talk coming up.

Expand full comment
Stefan Kelly's avatar

Love your stuff Dean, always excited to hear more

Expand full comment